Loading
search-img
Title
CopyFile function does not return when attempting to overwrite a locked target file

Summary

The CopyFile function does not return or returns an incorrect value when the target file exists and is locked.

Symptoms

When an installer attempts to use the CopyFile InstallScript function to overwrite an existing file that is locked the function either:
  • Never returns causing the installer to hang.
  • Returns an incorrect value and causes the installation to abort.

Cause

The behavior is caused by an issue introduced in InstallShield 2013.

Steps To Reproduce

Prior to running an installer which uses the CopyFile InstallScript function, ensure that the target file exists and is locked. When the CopyFile function attempts to overwrite the locked file, it will not return and cause the installer to hang.

Resolution

A HotFix has been created for InstallShield 2014 SP 1 that resolves this issue. In order to apply the HotFix:
  1. Download the attached file (IOJ-1667248.zip).
  2. Rename the file:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield\2014\Redist\Language Independent\i386\ISSetup.dll

    To:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield\2014\Redist\Language Independent\i386\ORIG_ISSetup.dll
  3. Rename the file:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield\2014\Redist\Language Independent\i386\ISP\ISSetup.dll

    To:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield\2014\Redist\Language Independent\i386\ISP\ORIG_ISSetup.dll
  4. Extract the file IOJ-1667248.zip to:

    C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield\2014\Redist\Language Independent\i386
  5. Verify that all files renamed in step 2 were replaced after extracting the file.
  6. Open InstallShield 2014 SP 1.
  7. Rebuild the project.

After applying the HotFix, when attempting to overwrite a locked file the FormatMessage function returns the correct error code 0x80070020 corresponding to the error:

The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.

Workaround

Use XCopyFile instead of CopyFile.
Was this helpful?
Support Hub
Create a case with Support
0/255
Upload Attachment
File Upload
Maximum file size allowed is 3 MB.
File type not supported.
Supported file types:
Documents (.txt, .doc, .docx, .pdf), Images (.jpg, .png), Comma Separated Files (.csv) Speadsheets (.xlsx, .xls)

Are you sure you want to cancel the case creation?

Are you sure you want to close this case

Get Hotline support
Products Region Phone Numbers
FlexNet Operations
FlexNet Embedded
FlexNet Publisher
FlexNet Connect
FlexNet Code Insight
InstallAnywhere
InstallShield 		North America  * +1 630-332-2513 (toll)
+1 877-279-2853 (toll-free in North America)
Europe  * +44 1925 944367 (toll)
+44 800 047 8642 (toll-free in Europe)
Japan  * +81 3-4540-5335 (select option 2)
Australia  * +61 3 9895 2177
+61 1800 560 603 (toll-free in Australia)
Usage Intelligence (formerly Revulytics)
Compliance Intelligence 		Please use the Case Portal to submit your support ticket or reach out to your Revenera contact.
Book an Appointment
File Upload
Maximum file size allowed is 3 MB.
File type not supported.
Supported file types:
Documents (.txt, .doc, .docx, .pdf), Images (.jpg, .png), Comma Separated Files (.csv) Speadsheets (.xlsx, .xls)
+1.800.374.4353
CONTACT US REVENERA.COM FLEXERA.com
© 2026 Flexera Software. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy policy Terms and conditions Flexera Community Contact Us
Loading
CopyFile function does not return when attempting to overwrite a locked target file